Cheese makers extraordinaire

What does 10,000 gallons of milk have to do with the small coastal town of Rockport? Everything! Rockport Marketplace is home to a wonderful artisan cheese maker, State of Maine cheese.

State of Maine Cheese

Upon my arrival to State of Maine Cheese, I was heartily greeted by Cathe Morrill, owner of the business since 1996. Why did you purchase the store, I asked? “I am motivated to promote Maine products and to continue the support of local farms, that desire continues to fuel my energy for the business.” Cathe has been instrumental in founding The Maine Cheese Guild and often arranges cheese making classes.

Wine selection at Rockport Marketplace

Cathe purchases milk from local farms, specifically from jersey and gurney cows because of the high solids content in the milk (a creamy butter yield). David Baker, cheese craftsman, has been with the company since ’94.

David Baker, cheese craftsperson

David Baker, adding rennet to the cheddar

David is indeed cheese maker extraordinaire and makes an array of cheeses for the store and their wholesale accounts. Cheese is also available online. Recently, an espresso rubbed dry jack with flavors of espresso, pepper, and coco is being crafted. (As you can imagine, it has already sold out.)

Cathe Morrill, State of Maine Cheese

Can’t wait until there is more of this available!

Why can we call this cheese art? Handmade by skilled craftsmen, the result is a product complex in flavor and texture. It is no longer just food, but an expression of the makers imagination.

The most popular cheese? Their cheddar curds. Grab a container of these light, flavorful little morsels, along with some Little Lads crackers and a bottle of Honeymaker blueberry mead from Portland, and head over to the Marine park for a scenic lunch.

Honeymaker Mead

Are you still in love with the store, I asked Cathe? “Absolutely, she said, the world comes through my door! People from literally all over the planet make it a point to stop in while they visit Maine. I just love to meet and talk with everyone.”

Don’t miss out on Cathe’s warm hospitality, exquisite artisan cheese, and a host of other Maine products at Rockport Marketplace on Rt 1.

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About Karen Olson

Karen Olson is a photographer, writer, and artist working in metal. Her blogs offer a global perspective, a celebration of art and culture. She 'lives like a tourist' in Midcoast Maine where she makes her home and finds inspiration for art and life in her travels. Follow her creative passion with Renuko Style at renukostyle.com and Coastal Collage, a Bangor Daily News Blog at coastalcollage.bangordailynews.com
Karen's photography portfolio can be found at seeingartineverydaylife.com

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Karen Olson

Karen Olson is a photographer, writer, and artist working in metal. Her blogs offer a global perspective, a celebration of art and culture. She 'lives like a tourist' in Midcoast Maine where she makes her home and finds inspiration for art and life in her travels. Follow her creative passion with Renuko Style at renukostyle.com and Coastal Collage, a Bangor Daily News Blog at coastalcollage.bangordailynews.com
Karen's photography portfolio can be found at seeingartineverydaylife.com

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Karen Olson is an photographer, writer, and artist working in metal.
Renuko Style is a place for creative inspiration. Let's talk photography - portraits and still life and travel photography. Let's add layers and textures and mess with our images. Let's make art!
Our very being compels us to create things. It is the means by which we make sense of the world. I invite you to share with me how you 'see art in everyday life.'
"Every attempt at expressing ourselves is one step toward telling our story." Beth Lavinder